Workshops to tackle cyber safety and online bullies

Cyber safety will be the topic of a series of workshops throughout South Australia's Limestone Coast next week.

Limestone Coast police and the region's councils have teamed up to run the events.

A former Victorian police officer and cyber safety expert, Susan McLean, is presenting the workshops and will speak about online predators, chat rooms and sexting.

Lifeline south-east chief executive Eve Barratt says it is important parents know how to protect their children from cyber bullies.

"We all want to do something about [it] but we're not quite sure just what we can do, so to have the opportunity to hear from someone who has researched this subject and from what I have read has some really good practical ways forward, I think it's an opportunity too good to miss," she said.

She says it is important young people and their parents are aware of the dangers.

"Anything that we can be putting in place that prevents anyone's emotional distress escalating is really worthwhile," she said.

"I'd certainly be encouraging anyone who is concerned about cyber bullying, has an interest in it, just as a citizen, to attend that."

Workshops will be held at Mount Gambier, Port MacDonnell, Millicent and Naracoorte from Monday.